How to Make Lutenitsa (Bulgarian Sauce) | Lutenitsa Necə Hazırlanır (Bolqar Sousu)

sunflower oil

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Olive oil adds healthy fats, while canola is budget-friendly.

red bell peppers

🥗Healthier: yellow bell peppers

💰Cheaper: canned roasted peppers

Yellow peppers are similarly sweet, while canned options save prep time.

vinegar

🥗Healthier: lemon juice

💰Cheaper: apple cider vinegar

Lemon juice offers a fresh taste, while apple cider is often less expensive.

sugar

🥗Healthier: honey

💰Cheaper: brown sugar

Honey provides natural sweetness, while brown sugar is a cost-effective alternative.

Roast the sweet red kapia peppers and eggplants until charred.

Peel the skin off the roasted vegetables and chop them finely.

In a large pot, add 3 cups of water and the chopped tomatoes, bringing to a boil.

Add the chopped onions and garlic, cooking until softened, about 3-4 minutes.

Stir in the chopped carrots and cook until they are tender.

Add the roasted peppers and eggplant to the pot, mixing well.

Season with sugar, salt, black pepper, and hot paprika, stirring to combine.

Simmer the mixture over low heat for 30-40 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.

Add the sunflower oil 10 minutes before the cooking time is complete.

Blend the mixture until smooth, using an immersion blender or a regular blender.

Return the blended mixture to the pot and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes to thicken.

Adjust seasoning to taste before removing from heat.

Allow to cool before storing in jars.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary